Instagram Apologizes To West Indian Community, Removes Block From Caribbean Carnival Content

Instagram has apologized for hiding Caribbean carnival related post.

According to VICE Canada , numerous masqueraders realized that Instagram release a community guidelines violation notice when they viewed hashtags #fuzionmas, #stluciacarnival, #trinidadcarnival2020, #xuvocarnival, and #ehtshirtmas, which was being used to display the carnival events in St. Lucia, Trinidad, and Antigua.

“Recent posts from [hashtag] are currently hidden because the community has reported some content may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines,” was the message given to the users.

According to Instagram, the shadow-ban was a mistake.

“The hashtags #xuvocarnival and #trinidadcarnival2020, among others, were restricted in error and we are restoring them to full visibility. We apologize for the mistake. Over a billion people use Instagram every month, and operating at that size means mistakes are made—it is never our intention to silence members of our community,” Alex Kucharski stated, an Instagram spokesperson.

However, many west indians were still upset about Instagram blocking Caribbean carnival content.

“I find it very offensive that Instagram is deeming carnival culture inappropriate. Instagram has not indicated which community guideline(s) carnival posts are violating, as they've only linked us to their general policy,” Cinelli Mangal expressed.

Sarah Cassamajor, in contrast, stated that carnival goers should reflect on their behavior during the season.

“I'm gonna give an unpopular opinion… though IG is lying, I do think maybe this is an opportunity to reflect on how we act during carnival…and maybe make some improvements on our end,” she expressed.

Carnival is all about fun and fete! #CurrentFam, y'all think it should be adjusted or it is perfectly fine?